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Best of California

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive San Francisco Welcome to California! Take a complimentary transfer from San Francisco International Airport to your hotel, where you will meet your Tour Director this afternoon. Join us at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Drink at the hotel. Hotel : InterContinental Mark Hopkins

Day 2 – San Francisco Sightseeing Spend the morning taking in the bustling activity on Union Square, the famous cable cars, the stately Victorian homes of Alamo Square and the beautiful Golden Gate Park. After a free afternoon, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for an informative walking tour through Chinatown, including stops at various shops and landmarks, followed by an authentic Chinese banquet at a local restaurant. (B,HD)

Day 3 – San Francisco - Napa & Sonoma This morning enter California’s lush premier wine country, Napa Valley. After free time in Napa, step aboard the beautifully restored Napa Valley Wine Train. Enjoy fine dining and wine tasting while travelling through Napa Valley’s picturesque landscape. Later, drive along the scenic Carneros Highway to Sonoma Valley and enjoy a tour and tasting at a local winery followed by some time at Sonoma’s historic plaza to peruse the quaint shops. The evening is at leisure. Hotel : The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance Resort & Spa (B,L)

Day 4 – Sonoma - Yosemite Travel through California’s Gold Country and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States. Explore the valley floor with its spectacular waterfalls, the imposing rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome and abundant wildlife. Spend the night inside Yosemite National Park, close to the highest waterfall in North America. Hotel: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls (B)

Day 5 – Yosemite - Monterey Early risers can enjoy the peace and quiet of Yosemite Valley, or take a short walk to the magnificent Yosemite Falls. Then drive down the Sierras and through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, the breadbasket of California. Purchase local fresh fruit at a historic fruit stand en route to the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the art galleries and quaint shops on Ocean Avenue, then take a relaxing drive across the Monterey Peninsula and along the scenic 17 Mile Drive. Pass the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links and multi-million dollar mansions before arriving in charming Monterey. End the day with a lecture and private dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with superb views of Monterey Bay and time to view some of the outstanding exhibits. Hotel : InterContinental the Clement Monterey (B, HD)

Day 6 – Monterey - Santa Barbara Head south this morning and stop in San Simeon for a guided tour of Hearst Castle, the grandiose estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Continue south through the vineyards of the Central Coast to the elegant resort of Santa Barbara. Enjoy an orientation tour of this seaside paradise before checking into your beachfront hotel. For your Dine-Around dinner this evening, choose from a selection of excellent local restaurants. Hotel: Hotel Mar Monte (B,DA)

Day 7 – Santa Barbara - Los Angeles Visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara and learn about the chain of 21 California missions along California’s El Camino Real. Then journey along the spectacular Santa Monica Bay, passing through glamorous Malibu on your way to Santa Monica. Take time to stroll along the popular Third Street Promenade. Visit the J. Paul Getty Museum with its world-class collection of Western art, set against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views. Continue on to your luxurious hotel at L.A. LIVE, the city’s newest and one-of-a-kind entertainment destination. Hotel: JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE (B)

Day 8 – Hollywood Sightseeing Cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel Air aboard specialized mini-coaches, past movie stars’ mansions, while enjoying entertaining stories from your guide about celebrities past and present. In Hollywood, spot the Hollywood Sign, view Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Experience the glitz and glam of Hollywood on a private tour of the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony. This afternoon, why not join an optional Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour? (B)

Day 9 – Depart Los Angeles As your California vacation comes to an end, a complimentary transfer to Los Angeles International Airport is provided, unless you would like to extend your vacation to see Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. This itinerary forms part of our Great Western American Adventure. (B)